ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 11th, 2012 – The Virgin Islands is among the countries represented at the First Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 1) of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) in preparation for the 2013 Summit of the Caribbean Political and Business Leaders in the British Virgin Islands.
The two-day workshop hosted by the Governments of Jamaica and Grenada from July 10 -11, is intended to reach a common understanding of the value of the marine and coastal resources of the region, and the threats to these resources.
During the workshop participants will (1) agree on the overall purpose of the summit, (2) review a framework for the Leaders Declaration that would be signed at the summit and (3) agree on the steps necessary to raise public awareness, through media efforts, regarding marine and coastal resources issues.
The delegation from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is led by Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering.
Accompanying the Minister is Environmental Officer Mrs. Tessa Smith-Claxton from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro Assistant Secretary for Projects and Ms. Najan Christopher Assistant Secretary for External Affairs both from the Office of the Premier.
On day one, Mrs. Claxton presented on the current situation of the marine and coastal environment of the BVI.
“Not only is the BVI prepared to take up the challenge of 20% by 2020 but we have committed through the BVI Protected Areas System Plan to protect approximately 33% of its marine and coastal resources by 2017,” she presented.
Mrs. Claxton highlighted the actions taken by the BVI by way of the various Acts and legislations such as the Fisheries Act, 1997 and the Fisheries Regulations and the Climate Change Adaptation Policy which protects the mangroves and salt ponds, The Beach Protection Ordinance 1985, the Beach Management Policy which is currently being developed for the protection of the Territories beaches and The Marine Parks and Prohibited Areas Regulations, 1991 which protect the seagrass meadows and coral reefs.
Also in attendance are representatives from Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominican Republic, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The CCI is intended to galvanize leadership around the marine and coastal environment, and has four major objectives as its focus. The objectives are (1) to catalyze high-level political will needed to protect and better manage marine and coastal resource, (2) to mobilize funding for marine and coastal conservation, (3) to put in place sustainable funding mechanisms, and (4) to accelerate and support on-the-ground action to implement the various marine and coastal conservation commitments made by governments.
The importance of the natural environment to the Territory and indeed the Caribbean region is critical to our future development and; therefore, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour is committed to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative and proper management and protection of the Territory’s natural environment, including our marine and coastal resources.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News